Thrifty Thursday

Although the last thing on your mind right now may be shopping, I can't help but post this deal today. If you are anything like this haute mom, you never stop thinking about shopping, especially when it comes to buying for your little ones since they outgrow things so quickly.

This is another deal from Plum District and is for TODAY ONLY! The hip kids clothing company Lollipop Moon has a $25 voucher today that is good for $50 of kids clothing. And these aren't just any ordinary kids clothing. Lollipop Moon has the most chic, haute kids clothing around! Better yet, the number of vouchers you can buy is unlimited and can be used starting this Sunday, January 2nd through June 30, 2011 so buy 'em, stock 'em, and use 'em as you need 'em!
CLICK HERE TO GO TO PLUM DISTRICT.

Haute Mom Dilemma #26 ~ Lions, and Tigers, and Teeth, Oh My!

I am still having teething issues.  The little one's two little bottom teeth have both popped through, one just days behind the other.  The problem is that most of the pain seems to come with the night, making bed time and sleep difficult.  I have been looking for things to try to help soothe Stella and am not entirely convinced that baby Tylenol and Orajel are doing the trick.  I have yet to find and try teething tablets but know that there is a certain ingredient in them that I want to avoid.  The problem with that is I can't remember what the ingredient is so until I Google search, I can't do anything anyway. 

With all the teethers, nets, and devices we have for Stella to gnaw on it appears that my shoulder and Blackberry are her favorite to chew on.  I also heard a frozen washcloth may serve the purpose and am willing to give ANYTHING a try.

The nighttime update still has Stella sleeping in bed with me and nursing her back to sleep in the wee hours of the morning.   My poor hubby is still sleeping on the floor in my parents extra bedroom and no doubt getting more sleep than the rest of us.  I am struggling with doing what is best for my piece of mind and risking the threat of this sleep with mom pattern that we have gotten into. 

I wonder if the first two teeth are the worst and then my usually happy baby will return for the rest of them or if this will continue for months.  I guess only time will tell along with the beaver-like marks I now have on my left shoulder.  The good news is grandma gets a try at it tomorrow while we take off to the local mountains for a day of skiing in powder.  Yipeee with a touch of guilt mixed in! :)

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick post to wish all of you a Merry Christmas!  After a long road trip from Southern to Northern California with Stella, our dog, and my brother we made a slower than usual drive up to my parents.  The hubby had to stay back to work at our store.  It is always nice to be home in the house you grew up in, no matter what anti-anxiety meds you must take to be under the same roof with your parents again.  Stella was a trooper all the way here and she was already getting spoiled the moment we walked through the door.

I was bummed that my hubby would not be flying in until late on Christmas Eve but I sucked it up and went to a Christmas Eve dinner with the rest of my family.  To my surprise, my brother walked in about a half hour later with hubby in tow.  He had surprised me and taken an early flight!  It meant the world to me that he was here in time to kick off the Christmas Eve festivities.  The night ended with hubby sleeping on the floor and me and Stella in bed sound asleep to counteract her new teething, sleep issues. Aaaahh, life with a baby.

This morning has been a whirlwind, like all Christmas mornings are.  I have my elastic waist leggings on with a tunic to keep up my haute mom appearnace while I bid all dieting instincts farewell until tomorrow. I hope all of you are making the Blissini's from Sunday's post like we are!  Happy holidays to all of you and wishing you the joyous of times on this very special holiday. 

Zootie Patootie Giveaway Winner

Our winner of the Zootie Patootie Leg warmer giveaway is #21 -Kady! Kady is extra deserving of these darling accessories since she is planning on giving them as a gift!  We couldn't ask for anything better to get us in that holiday spirit.  Kady has been notified by email and will get to choose the boy or girl set.  Congratulations to Kady!  Thanks to everyone who entered and keep watch for the next giveaway coming up after Christmas.               

Haute Mom Dilemma #25 ~ Terrible Teething

For months and months I have thought that Stella was going to sprout a tooth.  The chewing, gnawing and drooling have been going on for the past three months and I was sure that a tooth would make an appearance by Halloween...then Thanksgiving...Well bottom tooth #1 has finally appeared and with it so has fussy baby and sleepless nights!



Stella showing off her new tooth - 12.18.10
 (you may need a magnifying glass)

I have done the baby Tylenol, the frozen teethers, the Orajel, and I just bought a teething net that I can load with frozen fruit.  I am currently on a search for teething tablets which seem to have been taken off the shelves at every local Target even though I have taken Stella out in our Southern California's once a year downpour.  What's up with that Target?  You have plenty of things I don't need but buy anyway and you can't have my back this one time? In the meantime, I have been bringing Stella into our bed every night around 3 or 4 a.m. and let her nurse herself to sleepy land.  I am sure she is getting spoiled but what's a tired mommy to do?

Well, as I have learned as a haute mom in the past seven months, be careful what you wish for.  I couldn't wait for a little tooth to come popping through and with it came all kinds of fun (insert sarcasm here). I also have been wishing for crawling....maybe I should rethink that.

Thrifty Thursday...even though it's Monday.

This deal is to good to wait until Thrifty Thursday to post! Seven Slings is having a promotion for a FREE sling of your choice while supplies last!  Christmas has come early haute moms!  This is a traditional sling, with no belts, loops, or buckles and minimal wrapping.  The only thing you have to pay is tax and shipping!  The slings retail for $39 and can be used with infants to toddlers up to 35 pounds.

All you have to do is enter to promotional code "FIT" at checkout.  Shipping runs about $11.95 which is a bargain for a hip baby sling.  Even if you don't need one, I bet you know someone that does, so take advantage!  I did!

Lazy Sunday Cocktails!

After a stream of holidays parties, I was thinking about how a fun, festive drink at a party seems to make things come together. We all get tired of the old wine and beer selection and personally, I am not an egg nog fan (we won't even go there with it's calories now that I am back into my pre-preggy jeans). Sometimes my family has been known to whip up a cocktail on the holidays, especially on Christmas day while we enjoy noshing on snacks and opening our gifts.

I looked up some holiday concoctions but so many of them, although look amazing, take almost as much prep as cooking Chrsitmas dinner! Drinks are supposed to help you relax not add one more thing to the list. I found a very easy holiday drink that is fit for drinking morning, noon, or night (it's 5:00 p.m. somewhere) and easy to make. Giada di Laurentiis is behind this one and how can you go wrong from a chef that looks like she does, right haute moms? She calls it the Blissini and it is a fun, festive spin on a mom's best friend, the mimosa. Cheers!

Fashion Friday

The Carilyn Vaile pants that I tested this week were Carilyn’s TZ23 pant. As I described last week, these pants are super comfy and have a waist band that can turn the pants into a low, middle, or high waist. Even more fun, my personal favorite, you can pull the waist all the way up to wear it like a strapless jumpsuit! This is great for warmer weather AND the nursing mom (that’s me).

I first wore the pants to work and the first thing I liked about them was the wrinkle free fabric. One of my pet peeves is when you get out of the car or stand up from sitting at your desk and the pants are wrinkled. The pants survived the day without one wrinkle! The elastic waist (I wore a mid-high waist that day, almost like a cummerbund) was very comfortable and the wide legs even more so. I was thinking that next time I could probably wear some knee-high boots underneath without them showing a bulge. I have the dark grey ones that go with just about anything.

I haven’t tried them out as comfy pants but just from wearing them for one day, I know that I could go home, throw on a hoodie and flip flops and be able to be haute while hanging around the house with Stella or running errands.

These pants are QUITE the bargain considering you have dress pants, comfortable loungers and a stylish jumpsuit all in one! Stay tuned for next week when I test these babies out as part of my casual vacation since we are trekking home to chilly Northern California for Stella’s first Christmas at my parents’ house! I bet they will look great tucked into my winter furry boots!

Check them out at Carilyn Vaile!

Haute Mom's Club First Member

To launch the Haute Mom's Club, I chose the first member myself. This mom is the ultimate haute mom living in a boy's world! She has three haute blogs and has done so much to help me start my own blog, Haute Mom. Her name is Lisa Robertson and is a self-declared girly-girl in every sense of the word. She collect teacups, vintage hats and gloves, sterling silver bits and pieces. She love all things Disney, jewelry, and great shoes. What haute mom doesn't?
Read more about her...

Are you a haute mom or know someone who is? Let me know and join the Haute Mom's Club!

Thrifty Thursday

I have a great deal for this week's post, especially this close to the holidays. My favorite nursing cover company, Udder Covers has a promotion on their Nursing Cover Gift Sets right now!

Go to http://www.uddercovers.com/ , click on "Shop Now", scroll down to the gift sets, select the one you would like and you will automatically be repositioned to the center of the page where you can enter in the

promo code “Christmas”! Type in Christmas and it will bring your product total to $5!

We are not sure how long this promotion can last. You can use the code more than once - you just have to open a new browser/window to do so.

This promotion gives you 1 gift set for $5 + S&H! This promotion code is valid once per transaction, so you can order as many times as you would like! Even if you aren't nursing, we all know someone who is or who will be!

Happy Holidays!

Haute Mom Dilemma #24 ~Bah Humbug!

One of my fondest memories is going to a department store to pick out my annual Christmas ornament.  My mom used to take us to the Home section of the department store where they would have endless trees and buckets with tons of ornaments just waiting to be taken home.  Our tradition was that we could each get a new ornament each year; a tradition that I still continue to do every year for my own tree.

This year, I have been looking extra hard at ornaments, especially for a "Baby's 1st Christmas" one.  I have my own first Christmas ornament still.  It is a metal angel with my name engraved on one side and the year I was born on the other.  It even has my birth weight and height.  I have wanted something like this for my own baby and now that I have the baby, I am missing the ornament.

Seriously, all you stores that want to rip me off and take advantage of me during the holidays, I am ready.  I will pay whatever you want me to for a special Christmas ornament to mark Stella's first Christmas.  There are no takers.  Literally....none. There are cheap ornaments, wooden ornaments, ceramic, plastic, I even saw ones that were made from plastic spoons today but I can't find a quality "Baby's 1st Christmas" ornament anywhere.   And in the department stores...don't even get me started.  The only chain store that I have seen any ornaments in is Target.  Cute and trendy but not what I am looking for this year.  What happened to the beautiful, quality ornaments that used to so much be a part of Christmas?  Since when did ornaments become a thing of Christmas past.  Argh.

On a brighter note, Stella had her first meeting with Santa and she didn't even bat an eye...or shed a tear which is what we really thought was going to happen.  We are still exploring the notion that Stella had no idea that Santa was human since he didn't say a word and barely moved but it's alright with me...the pictures are darling!

A special thanks to the Sinks ladies for Stella's Santa Baby dress!

Lazy Sunday ~ New and Improved

Today Lazy Sunday brought on a whole new meaning.  After my first week back at work, and a little separation anxiety, I was excited to spend the weekend home with Stella.  We had plans last night to join our friends on their boat for our city's annual Christmas boat parade and I couldn't wait to see how Stella enjoyed her first time on a boat as well as all the beautiful lights and Christmas decorations. I spent yesterday with Stella running errands in preparation for the boat parade and felt like I fell a little short of my quality time with her, so today I was determined to do nothing but hang out, just Stella and I (the hubby worked today at our store).

After my husband left for work, I decided to do nothing but enjoy Stella.  The weather was beautiful (82 degrees in sunny Southern California) but I didn't want to put her in the stroller and take her for a walk because that would offer minimal interaction, and likely nap time.  So aside from sitting on the porch we stayed inside, read books, played with blocks, and did the usual seven month old activites including my personal favorite, took naps. 

You gotta love those blocks

The snow globe and forshadowing that she inherited mom's ability to close her eyes in pictures.

This is the first day I learned the true meaning of quality family time.  I think I took being home with Stella forgranted in that I didn't know how precious our time was together until I didn't have it.  Now that I am back at work, my time home with her should be focused, at least for one day.  I sat and watched her laugh at this Christmas electric snow globe we bought her for hours.  No really, it entertains her for hours.  How I can squeeze in cleaning, errand running, grading for my college classes, and all the other "to do's" will have to get worked out but until then, Sunday's are reserved for some mommy-daughter time.  I even waited until she fell asleep to post. The empty fridge, dust bunnies in the corners, and dirty laundry will all have to wait until another day because my Sundays have just become truly lazy Sundays. 

Fashion Fridays

Welcome to Fashion Fridays!  One of the things I was reminded of during my first week back at work after nine months off, was the hassle of playing the “What to Wear” game. For me, it has been even more challenging as I try to see which of my old work clothes are forgiving around the last seven or eight pounds that I have left to lose. In the spirit of my obsessive need to stay haute, I looked to my good friend, ultimate haute mom and fashion designer, Carilyn Vaile for advice.

Carilyn Vaile is someone who makes juggling a career, kids, and home life look as easy as filing your nails. She has designed her clothes, Carilyn Vaile, for over 20 years, with the woman-on-the-go in mind. She believes that clothing should be fun, fashionable, and forgiving in a world where the multi-tasking woman should not have to worry about what she wears. Her designs can be described as “multi-functional” with dresses that can be worn forwards or backwards and skirts that double as tunics or dresses. Even better, she saves us all time and money by using fabrics that do not require dry cleaning, and are wrinkle resistant. You can find endless possibilities with just a few, key pieces from Carilyn’s line and a quick change from heels to flip flops.
Here is an excerpt from Carilyn’s article “Runway to Momway”:

“Thinking of Wonder Woman…as i often do heroically (i like to think) hustling throughout my day… The tight, shiny blue granny panties (my personal favorite) adorned with stars of excellence, the long luxurious and obviously organic-conditioned hair, the thick gold bracelets (solid, I’m sure) and of course her most defining accessory… the all-ensnaring Lasso of Truth! At many times in my career (not to mention my relationships) I would have loved to have had that lasso thrown around the writer’s and editor’s of countless women’s magazines, exposing the widespread misrepresentations, half-truths and ill advised directions regarding the daily fashion demands of the REAL Wonder Women of this world who juggle daily family, career, and countless demands and expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not my intention to take away anything from the innovators of “art as fashion” that provide us with dazzling eye-candy and the can’t-live-without knowledge as to what country Brangelina’s next baby will come from…but, we all don’t live on Paradise island, and in the midst of all the smoke and mirrors the fashion industry has to offer, I am a realist and I’ve created a “Real-List”. I’m an entrepreneurial mother of 2 with a career and lifestyle that never sleeps. You’re not going to find me in thigh-high stilettos and leather boy shorts with a sheer shirt and vest as suggested in last seasons fashion pages unless I’m moonlighting as a stripper to put my girls thru kindergarten.

“Free time” is a commodity hard to find in a lady’s life these days. Split a mother’s day into a pie chart and using a microscope you’ll see the slice called “self-time”. Which is why over the last twenty years as a designer and stylist I’ve made it my mission to make women’s daily fashion realities much easier to swallow. Our cover mom Nicki Taylor was one of my first muses in regards to making multi-functional, easy-to-understand yet stylish fashion. My idea for “effortless-chic” attire came from seeing her extremely fresh and relaxed look and attitude all while keeping up with her twins. Given my understanding and first-hand knowledge that a woman must often be many things at many times I have felt my obligation was and remains to provide women a wardrobe that does the same.”

To help this mom stay haute and go from “Runway to Momway” as I return back to work, Carilyn has supplied me with some key pieces from her latest collection. The pieces she selected for me are versatile, comfortable, forgiving, and give me easy access to my new side kick at work, my Medela Breastpump. Over the next few weeks, Haute Mom’s new addition, Fashion Friday, will update all of you out there with these pieces in action (yes, I will take pictures), fashion tips and hints from Carilyn to help us stay haute, and even special Haute Mom access to Carilyn Vaile and her collections. I will be putting an awesome pair of pants to the test at work. In the meantime, browse her fabulous collections on the Carilyn Vaile website!

I will leave you with a couple of what Carilyn calls her "C2C"s (Catwalk to arpool) in the realm of working, keeping up with your kids, and looking haute while doing it.

• (Muffin-top concealer): Architecture inspired apparel works wonders for the baking region of the belly. A well engineered “sack” dress can look very chic when worn over skinny jeans or Xanadu Style leggings.
• (Be prepared): always keep a signature accessory in the diaper bag, your purse, the lunch box, trunk or all of above. A lightweight scarf, large pins, and chunky jewelry can be a life/face saver! I’ve learned this lesson the hard way! More than once I’ve needed that scarf to drape over unexpected leaking breasts and then tied down around my waist to hide the gum I sat on in the car. I thought I said “no chewing gum in the car”? It’s amazing the places gum shows up.

Thrifty Thursday ~Blogger Call for Help!

In the spirit of Christmas shopping and the mad rush, I have decided to make the majority of my purchses from the comfort of my own home.  All of the gifts I have bought so far have bene online through various websites, and the good deals keep coming. Many of you mommy bloggers have helped me out by posting sites and companies that are offering some great bargains (like Old Navy sweaters, buy one get one free!). 

For this post I was hoping we could all help a mommy out and share our favorite shopping sites for the holidays.  Don't just limit it to kids stuff, our parents, siblings, and spouses all need some holiday cheer too!  I have tons of places to get Stella stuff but what about for the hubby and other adults?!

My favorite sites for the holidays are:
Mamabargains - great deals for the little ones
Green Baby Bargains - graet deals for your babes and all product are environmentally friendly!
Chunky Bling - fun, inexpensive jewelry for the siblings, and girlfriends

Check out my favorite sites and more importantly, list yours to share with the rest of us!

Zootie Patootie Leg Warmers Giveaway

Well all you haute moms, I promised a giveaway today so here it is.  Remember my post on one of my favorite baby items, Zootie Patootie Leg Warmers?  Well now, to get everyone in the holiday spirit, I will be giving a set away! Yup, To share my joy and love for these little accessories, I have decided to giveaway a boy or girl (depending on which you prefer) of Zootie Patootie Leg Warmes in their fabulous prints!  Your little one will get to be as haute as you.

Zootie Patooties are perfect for the crawling baby, making diaper changes a snap while still keeping your little ones legs warm, and for snazzing up an outfit.  Yes, I said snazzing.  As the weather gets colder, I am also predicting that they will come in handy as an extra layer when you are out enjoying all the fun Christmas festivities.  Not sure if they will work for you?  That's OK, enter anyways...they are free!

To enter you must follow Haute Mom publicly and tell me why you would like to win a set of Zootie Patootie Leg Warmers! This is required and must be complete before you do any of the extra entries!

Extra Entries - leave one comment telling me you have done each of these.

-Subscribe to Haute Mom blog

-Join Haute Mom on Networked Blogs

-Like Haute Mom on Facebook

-Change your Facebook status to mention the giveaway and leave a link

-Follow Haute Mom on Twitter (www.twitter.com/ktenny)

-Tweet about this giveaway by leaving a link to my site (up to once a day)

-Blog about the giveaway on your own blog - leave me a link

-Grab my button and add it to your blog – leave me a link

Stella's princess leg warmers

Stella loves her pink camo ones too!

The winner will receive a set of  leg warmers (boy or girl, your choice) in various designs.  The giveaway will end Monday, December, 20th at 9 p.m. PST.  The winner will be selected using Random.org.  Good luck!

Haute Mom Dilemma #23 ~ Heading Back to Work

Today Stella has been quite the sleepy head! She slept about nine hours last night and is on her second, two hour nap of the day. Whether it is due to her teething or a growth spurt, I have had her resting on my chest, snuggling into me for almost four hours today.  The time with Stella is always enjoyable but today, this time is extra special to me.  As I write this blog, and kiss her little head, I am overwhelmed with anxiety and sadness.  It is time to go back to work.

I interviewed for that position that I shared weeks ago and got it!  So, I will not be returning to the seventh grade classroom, but will be working as a Teacher on Special Assignment in the Health Curriculum office.  The hours are slightly longer, but after much discussion with my hubby, family, and my new boss, I am confident that this will be an amazing position for me as a professional as well as a mom.  I have been anticipating this position for some time and now that the time is here, I am full of mixed emotions.  Starting this position also means it is time to leave my baby and head back to work full time and in the spring, being a new mommy with two jobs.  I will be working at the district full time and teaching classes at the university two nights a week.  I have worked so hard to get to where I am in my career, yet feel very strongly about letting something go so that I am home every night with my daughter.

There is so much thought that goes into whether or not to be a working mom.  I know that some don't have a choice, but we are in a position where, with some budgeting restraints, could have made things work with me staying home.  There are a number of goals my husband and I still have for our family, one of which is buying a new home and so we felt that my going back to work would help us achieve the things that we want in life.  I also know many moms who find themselves a little lost once their children are old enough to go to school and, being so career focused, did not want to lose my place with nothing to return to when the school years hit.  So, I am now brushing off my work clothes (which, I am excited to get back in to) and diving back in.  I hope it is a move I will be proud of and not one that I regret.

I found myself choked up while running errands without Stella yesterday because I wanted her with me.  I expect that these will be my feelings for the days to come as I get used to being away from her.  I am almost paralyzed when I think of going a full day without kissing her, hugging her, comforting her, and hearing her babble and laughter.  I pray that our nanny can comfort her like I do when she is fussy because her two bottom teeth are fighting their way through.  And, my biggest fear, is that we won't be as close as we are now; that our bond will be shaken.

In the grand scheme of things, I know that having seven months off with Stella is something that so many women dream of having.  I am so fortunate to have been able to spend that much time off with her.  I also know how lucky I am to be where I am in my career, where I have a number of opportunities available.  I remind myself that if I can find a balance, I will be a great role model for Stella as she gets older. I used to be a planner but my new haute mom role has taught me that sometimes, the highers that be have their own plans for you.  I am going to stay in the moment and let things unravel the way they were meant to be.  I am so thankful that I have had this time with my daughter and know that the time I do spend with her will be that much more special.

I will be bringing a box of kleenex with me (tucked in my pump bag) to catch the tears that may fall the first couple of weeks.  I have a new found respect for all of you haute moms who went back to work weeks after your little ones were born and you can add one more working mom to the bunch starting this Tuesday!
 

How can I leave this smiling face!?



ReUsies Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to entry #25, Lisa Robertson, The Disneyland Mom, who is our giveaway winner selceted by Random .org. I know you will enjoy your ReUsies set in whatever haute design you choose! Please let me know your top three designs of choice and ReUsies will ship one of them directly to you.  Enjoy!

Thanks to all of you who entered the giveaway and thanks to ReUsies who generously sponsored our giveaway!  For the rest of you, I HIGHLY recommend ordering a few of these environmentally friendly bags.  They are very afffordable and we can all do our part in helping the environment. They would also make great little Christmas gifts for others!

Come back on Monday for the start of the next Haute Mom giveaway, a boy or girl set of Zootie Patooties leg warmers - just in time for the winter!

Thrifty Thursday - Fun For the Savvy Mommy!

This week's Thrifty Thursday is something that will get all you haute moms excited, and not just because of the deals!  I have found a website called Plum District that is specifically for us savvy moms and our families.  They offer local deals everyday, at a great discount.  All you have to do is sign up, and every day you will receive at least one email to an unbeatable deal in your area.  The deals will range from baby products, to discount on haute clothing brands, spa treatments, and excercise classes.  Yesterday, I purchased a customized book for Stella, normally $40 for just $19!  You purchase online and then receive a printable voucher to use.  In my case, I simply entered the code online without having to print anything out or leave the couch! Today you can get $20 of Kidz Bop merchandise for just $10.  What a perfect way to stuff those stockings without having to battle the Christmas rush!  I love waking up in the morning and seeing what great deals await me!  Even better, they give an extra $5 off if you purchse in your first seven days. Have fun haute moms!  This one is for you so go and treat yourself! Check out Plum District now!

And the Winner Is...

Haute Mom received another fabulous award! Thank you to OnlineSociologyDegree.net who awarded us as a Top Blog on Parenting Babies. They have decided that this blog is an excellent resource on parenting for their students. Thanks to all you haute moms out there who have given the advice that I am sure helped us get there!

Lazy Sunday - Easy Dessert with the Holiday Leftovers

This is a day late but I couldn't help but share this recipe that is perfect for Lazy Sunday.  The thing I like about this is that it uses stale croissants which we always seem to have on Sundays - the last two lonely croissants left over and stale from the week.  What better way to use them then in this easy dessert that is as delectable as any holiday dessert can be!

The recipe is courtesy of  British chef Nigella Lawson and serves "2 greedy people".  Love it!



CARAMEL CROISSANT PUDDING

 Prep Time : 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 stale croissants

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons water

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons bourbon

1/2 cup whole milk

2 eggs, beaten

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Tear the croissants into pieces and put in a small gratin dish; I use a cast iron oval with a capacity of about 500ml/ 2 cups for this.

Put the sugar and water into a saucepan, and swirl around to help dissolve the sugar before putting the saucepan on the hob over medium to high heat.

Caramelize the sugar and water mixture by letting it bubble away until it all turns a deep amber colour; this will take 3 to 5 minutes. Keep looking but don't be too timid.

Take the pan off the heat and add the cream - ignoring all spluttering - followed by the bourbon and milk. Whisk to mix, then still whisking add the beaten eggs.

Pour this quickly over the croissants and leave to steep for 10 minutes.

Place in the preheated oven for 20 minutes and prepare to swoon.

Thrifty Thursday (on Black Friday)

Through all of this holiday shopping madness I have decided to continue to focus on good deals that can be found online for Thrifty Thursday.  There were so many of them today and I am especially excited for this new "Cyber Monday" hoopla that I have been hearing about.  Until I actually figure out and sort through all the great stuff that can be bought online all from the comfort of your own home, I have one thing to share that I think is a very haute, creative idea.

Chunky Bling is a new company that sort of found Haute Mom and has one of the neatest ideas around.  Jewelry is the name of the game for Chunky Bling and it is right up the haute mom's alley.  Watches, bracelets, necklaces and rings can all be found on Chunky Bling but the one thing that sets them apart from others is the "Build Your Own Watch" feature.  All of the jewelry items are funky, beaded jewelry and they even have a super cute Christmas one.  You can choose the face of your watch and the style of the beads for the band and you have a hip watch that looks like a beaded bracelet.  I love it because I am not a watch person - but I would totally wear one if it looked like a bracelet. 

The best thing about all of this is the price. The items are very affordable (between $10-$35) which is perfect now that I am a mom.  I don't wear a lot of my nicer jewelry very often because they get pulled, tugged on, and scratched but I still want to be able to accessorize.  They are made with materials built to last including Swarovski Crystals.  I think that when Stella gets older (much older), and wants to start playing around with accessories, this would be perfect for her.  I love the versatility and the price; they allow you to create your own pieces for that Christmas or New Year's outfit that you will be wearing.  I plan on buying a few for some of my favorite haute moms as a fun Christmas gift.  You can find the right piece for any type of personality.

Whether you are buying for yourself or as a gift, I would check this site out.  Again, this offers a fun, hip option to accessories without breaking your wallet or being afraid that the pieces will get ruined.  Save your Tiffany's pieces for a special occasion and wear Chunky Bling day to day!  I received a ring from them that is fun, fashionable, and durable.  It is a perfect piece to accompany a festive outfit or doing some shopping while looking haute at the same time!  Check out Chunky Bling and have fun shopping!

My Chunky Bling ring in Swarovski Crystal -Ebony!

 

Giving Thanks Week 4

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Although this is normally my Lazy Sunday post, I decided that what better day to give my last week of thanks than on the day that inspired it all!  When I think about how much my life has changed since Stella was born, I think back to all of the things that have helped me along the way to being a haute mom.  I have given thanks to my friends, my family, and to the roof I have over my head.  As I look at all that I have, there is one more group of people that I would like to thank.

I am thankful for my fellow mommies.  By fellow mommies I mean my other mommy friends old and new and I also mean all of you out there who I have never met.  Some of the kindest words and notes of support have come through on this blog, from others that I do not know.  I look forward to seeing many of your comments and your supportive cheering from the sidelines.  It often overwhelms me how many of you are faithful readers and have become mentors to me through a simple thing as a blog.  I have made wonderful contacts with many of you even though you are on the East Coast, and some as far as Canada!

When I started this blog, so many of you stepped forward and have blessed me by giving me awards, and featuring me on your own blogs.  With something that started off simply as a journal of my experiences, I found the best support through strangers where the only link we have is blogging and mommyhood.  The power of being a mommy never fails to amaze me, and the network of bloggers has done the same.

I dedicate this post to all of you, whether I know you or not, who have unselfishly given me five minutes of your time to write words of encouragement.  I especially thank all of you who visit me regularly and who make me smile when I see a comment from you on one of my posts.  You have provided support and made me laugh during the hardest of times, and continue to do so.  Know that you have touched the life of a stranger all the way in sunny California just for reaching out.  For this I am thankful. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you...from my family to yours.

Haute Mom Dilemma #22 ~ Attention All Shoppers!



Stella enjoying our seats with daddy.

I must say that I really have ventured out since my earlier Haute Mom Dilemma posts.  I recall being a brand new mom, nervous to bring my baby girl out in the world where germs and judgement waited.  Since then, I have taken Stella to a number of different places that have helped me be more comfortable with handling my bundle of joy in public.  I accomplished a 5K charity walk, took Stella to two MLB baseball games, Oktoberfest, and on Monday night, took Stella to her first NBA game!  She has loved each and every one of those things and has even fallen asleep in the loudest of times
.  

Clippes beat the Hornets 99-95!



 The one thing that I still have a difficult time with is taking her shopping and I'm thinking I need some serious help since Black Friday and holiday shopping is right around the corner.  So help me out here.  The issue I have is how one can sprout enough hands to hold baby (or push baby in the stroller) and push your cart, hold items to purchase, carry your bags, etc. There must be a magical product that is out there that I am missing, and no, do not tell me it is my hubby.  I'm not a fan of shopping with hubby sometimes...as I am sure many of you know what I am talking about.

Last week I went to Target and Trader Joe's all in one day and I felt like Stella and I should win a mother/daughter award.  I wore Stella (in my Ergo) into Target and was able to push the cart around with no problem but the whole checking out, paying thing was kind of difficult because she was in the way of getting things out of my cart.  I also haven't figured out the whole packing everything in the car thing.  I don't like leaving her in the car while I unload bags and return shopping carts but I also don't feel safe with her sitting in the cart while I unload in the middle of the parking lot.  Which is the lesser of two evils?
I swear, I think only moms think this way, or maybe crazy ones like me.  I'm sure I will be posting on my first Black Friday experience should I choose to participate.

Here is to Stella's first Thanksgiving tomorrow and wishng all of you a safe and happy one with all of your loved ones!

Winner of the Chic Monkey Boutique Giveaway

Congratulations to the winner of a $25 gift ceretificate from Chic Monkey giveaway ~ #5 Meggan Taylor Columbo!  She won $25 to use towards a pair of her own soft sole shoes for her baby boy, in the design of her choice.  Meggan is going to be a first time Haute Mom VERY soon so I know she will be able to use these!  Thanks to everyone who entered and don't forget to enter our haute, environmentally friendly ReUsies giveaway that's going on right now!

Lazy Sunday ~ Giving Thanks Week 3

On this truly lazy Sunday (I am still in my pajamas), I am reflecting on my week and trying to put it into perspective. There have been a lot of stressful things that have happened, where at times, I have not felt thankful for anything. I have found myself upset, defeated, frustrated, and alone. I wondered all week what I was going to write today. This is a far cry from last week when I had a million things I was thankful for.

Like always, things happen for a reason. There always seems to be things that come along at the right time to give a little sign that life isn't so bad. This happened twice this week and has helped me get back to being thankful once again.

I was invited to a fundraising event for an organization called Children Today. My friend from college invited me at the last minute, and my husband and I were able to donate a gift basket from our sporting goods store to auction off for the cause. I almost didn't go, but decided a few hours of adult time may be just what the doctor ordered. At the event, I learned more about what Children Today does. They offer child care and preschool to homeless children. I found myself donating money to give a child a birthday party, and buying books to give to the children in their program. This was heartbreaking and that evening, I found myself getting choked up. I could not imagine being in a situation where I could not provide food, shelter, and needs for my child.

Another friend of mine from college, and a fellow blogger, invited me to a blogging event yesterday for Nintendo Wii and the American Heart Association. The lunch happened to have a guest speaker on Asset Based Thinking. While I am reserving the details for a post dedicated to this event, I must say that the main message here was to change the way we thought about our problems. The speaker encouraged us to think positively about our problems and look at them as opportunites instead of negative things that weigh us down. Sounds like a little poke in the ribs from the highers that be, doesn't it?

So today, I am simply going to be thankful for what I have. I may run the risk of sounding materialistic but stick with me. I am thankful I own my home and it provides a roof for my family. I will always and forever want a bigger house but I need to stop and just be thankful that I have a home that I own. I am thankful that I have a job to go back to and that I am not in the group of the thousands of people that have found themselves out of work. I am thankful that I have enough money to buy basic necessities for my family. Money is one of those things that everyone feels like they always need more of, but I can buy food, diapers, clothing, and pay my bills. For that I am thankful.

In a time of difficulty right now, where I am personally struggling with many things in my life, I know that I am more fortunate than many. I have a healthy family (week 1), am surrounded by amazing friends (week 2), and have the basic necessities in life that so many of us take forgranted, and that so many in this country struggle for. This haute mom has had her smack in the face for the week and has been reminded that things could always be worse and when looking at things from a different perspective, I need to be truly thankful for the simple things.

Thank you to Masy Bunnell and Lisa Robertson for your invitations that have allowed me to be thankful for what I have.

I think I learned
to appreciate and treasure each day,
because you don't know
how many you're going to be given.
US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor

When I started counting my blessings,
my whole life turned around.
Willie Nelson

Haute Mom Dilemma #21 ~ Sick Party of One

I've gone 6 months with a happy, fun, HEALTHY baby so to my surprise, Stella had a 102 degree fever early Wednesday morning. I knew one day Stella would fall ill but hoped I wouldn't be having to put the nurse outfit on anytime soon. You can't prepare yourself for that tug in your heart when the little one isn't feeling well, can you?

Stella had her 6 month well visit appointment on Tuesday and received her last set of vaccines for the next three months. She is never a happy camper after these visits (why should she be) but this one seemed a little worse. I knew it was going to be a doozy the moment I saw our nurse. Bless her heart for trying, she didn't seem to have graduated on the top of her nursing program if you know what I mean. She also moved about as quickly as a sloth. Then I found out she would be returning to give Stella her shots...great. After a PAINFUL (physically and mentally) round of shots, that seemed like it took longer than my visit to the DMV the other day, Stella was hysterical. Not the usual crying of dislike but hysterical like she maybe will have night terrors about this with the nurse as the dark shadow. I knew it would be time to batten down the hatches.

Stella seemed to be content the rest of the afternoon, and I left for work that evening feeling confident that maybe the doctor's visit had been the worst of it. I later put her to bed in a mood slightly more sour than usual but figured maybe the night with dad babysitting had been a little irritating for her. About an hour later Stella woke up and could not be consoled. She didn't want to be held, she didn't want to nurse, she just wanted to cry. I finally got her back to sleep to only be faced with the same thing about two hours later. It was then when I realized she had a fever. My friend told me that when Stella had her first true fever I would know and this couldn't have been more true. I pressed her hot little body against mine while my husband took her temperature. It was 102. I made my first middle of the night call to our pediatrician only to be told to give her some Tylenol and blame the shots, or her teething. We decided to put Stella in bed with us and with fear that my hubby was going to smother her in the middle of the night, I made him go sleep in her room. At least he got some sleep that night while Stella and I had our first mommy-baby up all night slumber party. Can we just talk about the things that are on in the wee hours of TV land...

Having made it through the night, I was relieved to see that the fever had gone down by morning. I felt like I had gotten my first initiation of the many nights in the future where I will stay awake to care for my baby girl. I do wonder if I did what I should have done by giving her Tylenol. I am not a medicine taker myself but don't know if my own philosophy should be applied to my 6 month old. I also now wonder if I should have followed an alternate schedule for her vaccines or if a fever would have happened either way. Any thoughts haute moms?

Thrify Thursday ~ ReUsies Giveaway

As a new mommy, I am always in awe of the amount of trash that gets generated in my household. I am not simply talking about diapers (but yes, my green friends, I am strongly considering making the switch to cloth now that Stella is 6 months old), but just trash in general. Paper towels, kleenex, baby wipes, BM storage bags, and zip lock baggies fill up the trash cans on a daily basis. I would like to say that part of my hauteness is that I am environmentally friendly, or at least try to be, but I seem to be having a difficult time now. I want to find products that are easy to use, clean, and hug trees all at the same time. The other side of this is a time issue. I barely have time to keep up with laundry much less add more things to wash to my daily list of to-do's.

There is a product that I am enjoying that has cut back on some of the waste my family is generating; they replace zip lock bags which I know is an item that will be in my house for many years to come. ReUsies are these reusable bags that offer an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic zip lock bags. Why do I like them so much? You can wash them by hand, in the dishwasher, or...get this...the washing machine!

Stella's diaper bag is filled with little plastic zip lock bags containing pacifiers, teethers, bottle nipples, and usually a snack for me. Now that I am getting ready to return to work, I will be taking my lunch which requires more zip lock bags. Let's fast forward to when Stella is eating table food (2 more months according to her doctor on Tuesday) and more little bags will be needed. Not only is this generating garbage but plastic bags are not cheap! ReUsies come in two sizes, are inexpensive ($6.95-$8.95), and lead, BPA, and phthalate-free as well! ReUsies are the perfect solution and a well deserved star for this Thrifty Thursday. Not to mention they are versatile and come in a number of fun prints (this haute mom can never resist).

Check out some of the items I've stored in mine!


The best part is that ReUsies has generously offered to host a giveaway for all you haute moms out there! One lucky winner will receive both a sandwich and snack size bag in the print of your choice! Here is a chance for you to save money, lower your garbage production, and look haute while doing it!

To enter you must follow Haute Mom publicly and tell me why you would like to win a set of ReUsies! This is required and must be complete before you do any of the extra entries!

Extra Entries - leave one comment telling me you have done each of these.

-Subscribe to the ReUsies Newsletter
-Visit ReUsies and tell me which 3 ReUsies designs you like best
-Join Haute Mom on Networked Blogs
-Like Haute Mom on Facebook
-Like ReUsies on Facebook
-Change your Facebook status to mention your giveaway by leaving a link
-Follow ReUsies on Twitter
-Follow Haute Mom on Twitter
-Tweet about this giveaway by leaving a link to my site (up to once a day)
-Blog about the giveaway on your own blog - leave me a link
-Grab my button and add it to your blog – leave me a link

This giveaway will end on Friday, December 3rd at 9 p.m . PST. The haute winner will be chosen by Random. org. Good luck to all of you!

Haute Mom Stays Cool

This week has been one of those weeks...and it's only Wednesday. In order to save some money, I am getting rid of our seven month old, leased car and buying a four year old used one. This haute mom loves her car, but we will love the $400/month savings and extra cargo room more. Although this is a wise choice, it has sent me on a wild goose chase of errands and paperwork. I have been back and forth to banks, AAA, the DMV, and back to banks, AAA, and the DMV. And that was just in the last two days.

Normally in these types of situations I get flustered, and now with Stella as my wingbaby, it can be really difficult. She was a total trooper and this mom was able to stay cool through it all. I have to share one thing that made this possible and that was her new stroller. I have been using the Chicco Travel System up until now. I love the system but sometimes find it too big and bulky. Maclaren recently sent me the Quest stroller that claims to be "the lightweight sporty solution" and it filled every promise!

I am absolutely IN LOVE with this stroller and I have tried three strollers already (the Chicco is the only other one that has been lucky enough to make the cut). I am not picky (well, not THAT picky) but I think a stroller is supposed to make your life easier, not more difficult and I haven't found on that truly does that...until now.

Some of the reasons why I love this stroller:

• It's lightweight like an umbrella stroller and weighs in at a little over 12 pounds


• It has a carrying strap, so when it is folded (in an umbrella stroller fold) you can sling it over one shoulder


• It can be folded down with one hand (many others claim the same but we know that unless you have Hulk hands, it ain't happening)


• There are 4 seat positions so Stella has been able to be comfy no matter what her mood is


• The seat is removable and washable. You all remember my diaper blowout dilemma right? Problem solved!


• It is water resistant and comes with a raincover
  
• It offer a UV protected window so that I can see Stella without having to risk her exposure to the sun


• It is appropriate for 3 months and up - and can carry up to 55 pounds. This stroller has a very long usage period. Most of the other stroller where a car seat is not needed start at 6 months. Stella still can't sit comfortably at 6 months in her Chicco stroller without being in her car seat.
  
• It is DARLING! I have the Cath Kidston design which is a vintage-inspired edition in red with white dots.
  

Overall, this stroller fits every need. It is durable, but has the convenience of an umbrella stroller. There are plenty of storage pouches, a basket and it is every but as comfy for Stella as her big Chicco. Although the cost is higher then the average umbrella stroller, I would tell any new mommy to register for this one as her main stroller. It can be used early on with the bells and whistles of a travel system but has the ease of an umbrella stroller which is so important when running errands on your own, like every haute mom does. And there are some super haute designs to really express your inner mommy!

A Stylish Blogger Award!

I just want to thank Emma's Lunch for awarding us with a Stylish Blogger Award!! It is so nice to receive awards, especially from our fellow bloggers. It is much appreciated and thanks for thinking Haute Mom is stylish!

Lazy Sunday ~ Giving Thanks Week 2

I have the chance to write this post in the blessed silence of an early Sunday morning. I have a good friend at work who used to describe these morning too me, explaining that she used to tip-toe downstairs at 5 a.m. to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before work, using every muscle possible to control her movements so that she doesn't make a sound. For she knew that even the slighest creak would wake a child, husband, dog, which would then wake another, crashing down into a domino effect of craziness. I never fully understood this, until now.

Today, I am thankful for friends. I know this seems kind of generic but this post is for a certain category of friends. Not the friends who are there for convenience, the ones who only call or come around when they need something or when there is nothing better to do. Not the friends who are one-sided, those who never call you or invite you places, but instead do nothing for your friendship until you reach out to them. And not those who I like to call "frenemies", the ones who use you to gain some advantage, use your ideas, or talk about you behind your back. I am thankful for true friends, the ones that are so special that they can part the clouds on a rainy day.

As I have gotten older, I have learned about all these different types of friends, some the hard way. Gone are the days when I traveled with an entourage, where only one or two in company was a true friend. I have experienced drama, backstabbing, let downs, stolen dreams, and people hanging on to my coat tails and learned that some people never change and it is best to let them go. As I think about my true friends, I realize that part of getting older means that people get let behind, sometimes for good reason.

My friends now are the ones who I know will be here for life. I can call on any one of them and they will be there for me. It doesn't matter how long I have seen or talked to them, we can pick up as though we lunched the day before. It doesn't matter how busy they are, they will take the time out of their day to help me, be there for me, or inconvenience themselves for me. These friends call or text me randomly to say they are thinking about me, Stella, and that they miss us. Sometimes they send a message about something that made them think of me and it was important that they share. They never use the excuse "I've been too busy" or "I didn't get a chance" but they keep their word out of respect for our friendship. These friends make me feel supported, loved, and special. It is comforting to know that there is a small, secluded group in my life that will always be around helping me be the best that I can be and picking me up when I fall.

I wish that I could list these friends, but many know who they are. Perhaps, some people reading this would be surprised to find out they would be on this list, and that shows me the true selflessness of their friendship. Some of these people are from my college days, others from the work place. Many of these friends I have know for years, and others, only since my haute months of mommyhood. It doesn't matter how long they have been around but what matters is that they are here to stay. Thank you to all my friends who are there for me through thick and thin and have helped me through this next chapter of my haute life. For you, I am truly thankful.

Haute Mom Dilemma #20 - Solid Food Funky

It's hard to believe my baby girl is 6 months old today! I have been diligently tracking every milestone and photographing every moment (no, literally, I take three or four pictures of her a day). Our most recent milestones have been sitting unassisted and solid foods! I started Stella on solids around five months but have been working hard to be consistent with her solid food feeding. I began with rice cereal mixed with BM as suggested by my pediatrician. Stella took to it right away and now our biggest challenge is feeding her fast enough so she doesn't get frustrated! She loves it (although I don't know why, the stuff tastes like cardboard!)

The whole solid food thing is one of those areas where everyone has their own opinion. I received the information sheet from the American Academy of Pediatrics that offers guidelines for starting your baby on solids. I have read that you should try to give your baby veggies before fruit. Dr. Sear's suggests starting your baby on foods that have low allergy rates and are similar to the taste of BM or formula such as rice cereal, bananas, avocados, and pears. Well, help a mother out here. Which is it? I am assuming that all this mixed info basically means that there is no one way to do it. I think I am going to try bananas next because they are easy and I have a hard enough time staying consistent.

Speaking of easy...I also have been wondering about the jar food/homemade food issue. I used to think that jar food had all this extra, yucky stuff in it, but after reading the labels, I have found that some are impressively simple. Is it worth it to make your own baby food? Is it even that much cheaper? What's the best way to freeze homemade food? Or is it an endless toss up debate like the cloth vs disposable diapers?

And...let's talk diapers. Stella has had a change in her, uh, diaper dirtying schedule. Her solids have come less frequently since starting solid foods, if you know what I mean. And her solids have been more liquid. Oh heck, enough with the coyness, there is no haute way to talk poopy diapers. Her diapers have been horrible! She doesn't poop everyday and when she does - LOOK OUT! We are talking outfit changes here. I have begun to measure them by the number of wipes it takes to clean her and it is up in the 15-20 wipe range. Horrific! And the smell is less than desirable. Some have said this may be due to teething but I can't tell if that is the culprit or if it's her new diet. Either way it is M-E-S-S-Y (insert mom holding her nose with plastic gloves on).

Luckily, Stella is still nursing and I still have a couple weeks before I return to work so there is time to work the kinks out. What have all you other haute moms done or learned along the way? I love feeding Stella with her little bib on and rice cereal everywhere but I definitely need to learn some tricks of the trade.

Haute Mom Dilemma #19 ~ Leaving Baby - The Final Installment

So less than 24 hours ago I was in Boston and now I am back in my role as mommy. The grandparents are on their way home to San Francisco and the only remnant of mommy's trip away is my beloved backstage pass to the Dave Matthews concert. One of the things that is most comforting is how quickly mother and baby can come back together without a hitch, as if they were never apart.

I left off with trying to figure out how to get my pumped BM back to Los Angeles. I pumped all day Wednesday and packed my BM in a lunch sac filled with Ziploc baggies of hotel ice. I store my BM in the Medela storage bags so I already had those with me. I was able to fit five bags in the lunch sac, surround them with the ice. I then put the lunch sac in the dry clean bag from the hotel and tied it up. My homemade package was tucked neatly in my suitcase. I got to the airlines and the Grinch-like American Airlines employee checked us in and threw my suitcase on the conveyor belt. My hopes immediately diminished - Operation BM was not looking so great. I had called American Airlines prior to leaving and they assured my that there were outlets on the plane which would allow me to pump and at least bring that BM home with me. This was NOT true and the flight was agony. The good news is when I landed, my suitcase was completely dry. Operation BM was a success and I was able to bring almost five bottles worth home.

Overall, my quick trip across the country was a good one. I missed Stella terribly but know that the night away was good for all of us. I intend to write a few letters to both American Airlines and TSA about this situation. I know they have to do what they can for security but moms who BF should not have to deal with this in any situation. In the meantime, I will not be flying without Stella, and I think she is happy about that!

Winner of the Moby Wrap Giveaway!

The Moby Wrap winner is # 21 ~ Michele from http://foundgiveaways.blogspot.com/!I know you will enjoy wearing your little one comfortably in the solid color Moby Wrap of your choice!! Congrats to you and on behalf of myself and Babes in Disneyland thanks to all of those who entered, tweeted, and blogged about the giveaway! A special thanks to Moby Wrap for providing our winner with the best baby carrier out there!

Be sure to check out our current giveaway on Soft Sole Shoes from Chic Monkey Boutique and keep reading for a bunch of great giveaways lined up! I can't wait to share them!

Haute Mom Dilemma #19 - Leaving Baby Part 2

It is Wednesday morning and I have been away from Stella for over 24 hours. Yesterday I snuck away in the early morning darkness to catch my flight to Boston. I stole a couple kisses from my sleeping baby and disappeared into the night. I felt sad on the way to the airport but with the craziness of checking-in and airport security, my mind was filled with other thoughts. I had a video of Stella laughing on my phone and decided it would be helpful to watch her while I was waiting for our flight to board. BIG MISTAKE. I immediately started crying. Not sniffly crying, like when you get choked up about something but CRYING like when you are PMS-ing and you see a Hallmark or Folgers commercial (Remember that one where the college son comes home and surprises his family on Christmas morning? Yea, I have goosebumps right now.) My brother walked up to us and said he saw me and thought, "Oh, oh. Something just happened while I was gone and I am not going to say one word." The tears were flowing while I boarded, during take-off, and still three hours later when I was landing in Chicago for our layover. Once I checked in with my parents, and they sent some pictures, I finally was able to relax. I am sure the beer I had during lunch didn't hurt either.

I went wandering through the airport looking for a place to pump...yes, and dump. According to American Airlines I am not allowed to carry breastmilk on the plane unless I was traveling with a baby. TSA did say I could take milk on the place but it would have to be frozen. Since I didn't happen to bring my freezer with me, I decided I was going to have to dump this liquid gold until I could figure something else out. Since airports aren't exactly private, I chose to wait to pump on the plane. The nice flight attendants allowed me to use the back row and once they figured out how to turn the outlets on I was good to go. (Did you know there were outlets under each seat? I didn't. Pretty cool though.) Thanks American Airlines flight attendants for making it the friendly skies!

After checking in to the hotel, we went to a nice dinner and then partied like rockstars at the Dave Matthews concert (enter teenage fan scream here). I love Boston! We were able to have access to the backstage area, the VIP lounge, and also had amazing seats. It was a great time! After the show I checked in on grandma and grandpa who assured my all was good on the homefront.

Fast forward to now. I am getting ready to pack up and head back home. Who thought it would go this fast? I am so excited to get back to Stella and feel very fortunate having my family to take care of her while I was gone. It was a good test for me, and for her. Looks like mommy and baby passed. Now, I am off to go formulate a plan to bring home some breastmilk. I am actually considering packing it in my suitcase in bags of ice....Hmmmmmm.

Here are a couple pics from the side stage viewing area: